Somewhere Else (1)

Loria Empire...World Tree...

A humanoid with long ears is standing beside a huge tree. This tree looked ancient and magical, referred to as Mother Tree by the citizens of the Loria Empire.

Loria is home to the Elven race. Though they are collectively called Elves, there are differences in their appearance. Loria was divided into many regions and each region has its own king.

Each region has its own Elven culture. Though there are similarities, there are differences as well.

The Elf who was standing beside the tree is the Elven Emperor. His seat is beneath the canopy of the same tree. The fortress that surrounds the tree and protects it is his castle.

He only acts when there is a danger to the Elven race, otherwise, most regions would work as the Elven King pleases. Even though he is called Emperor, calling him Guardian would be apt as most of the time he spends taking care of the tree and protecting it.

He stands away from the internal politics of the regions within the empire unless it was called for. His duties are protecting the Loria Empire and its denizens from both Internal and External factors.

The doors that led to the tree opened which caused the elf to see who came here.

The new arrival immediately kneeled and showed him an envelope. Looking at the kneeling elf who was holding a black and red envelope with a white star symbol, he spoke, "So it has begun, huh".

It was more of a statement than a question that came from the lips of the elf. He has been alive more than most and he knew things that many never even heard of.

The only reason to use a black and red envelope with a white star symbol is to deliver a message, a message which states the impending disaster of a certain origin.

The elf sighed to himself and muttered in a low voice, "I hope we will fare far better than the last time".

He then turned to the messenger and said, "You may leave. Inform the temple that I'll be there in a month".

---

Tyr Peak, Adellin Mountains...

Roar!

The loud roar reverberated through the mountains. It can be heard by anyone even if they stood at the edge of the Adellin Mountains. No humanoid civilization lives here or near it and it should be considered lucky.

If any commoner would have heard the roar, they would have fainted or even died out of fear. Even rankers could easily lose their minds.

That is the power of a dragon king's roar.

Tyr Peak where the Dragon King resides and his territory stretches over the Adellin Mountain ranges.

"I told you not to disturb me unless...", the dragon stopped speaking and looked at the envelope in the shaking messenger's hand.

It is a black and red envelope with a white star symbol on it. The dragon understood why the messenger dared to disturb his sleep.

"Oh, the world's end is near, huh", the dragon turned to the shaking messenger and said, "Inform the temple that I'll be there in a month".

"Now leave", the king commanded.

---

The Elven Emperor and the Dragon King didn't need to read what was written in the envelope but they were in the know about its content.

The disaster is coming, there is no way to stop it. They both only hoped and prayed that the result of the previous disaster wouldn't repeat itself.

---

Meanwhile...Duster Kingdom...

"Are you sure about this news?" the man seated at the top questioned the one who brought him the news about something he didn't hear until now.

"Yes, your highness", replied the man in question.

"It looks like they kept news like this quiet for a long time. I'm impressed but this would cause problems. The plans may need to be revised", said the king.

"Yes, your highness. Though the boy is young, we hear that he made quite a profit. If he becomes the son-in-law of the Vitren house, the outcome may not be in our favor", one of the ministers said.

"So, what do you propose?"

"Your Highness, if I may be bold enough, I suggest assassinating the boy before the marriage. It would work in our favor", spoke one of the other ministers.

"Explain?"

The minister spoke again, "From the news there seems to be some conflict between the boy and the third prince because of the girl. The prince took a liking to the girl but she was already engaged to the boy. There are also rumors that they would fight during the academy's competition.

If we plan it properly, we could fabricate that the third prince is behind the boy's death. The Emsier family would surely retaliate".

"Yes, but the emperor could sacrifice the prince. After all, he is the third prince. If he looks guilty, there is no reason to stand up for him. There may not be even a clash".

"Your majesty is right but our main purpose doesn't get conflicted with the result. All eyes will be turned towards the capital. Even the Vitren family would be facing the capital, as they would have lost their soon-to-be son-in-law.

The Duke's mother and the boy's grandfather are siblings, so there is a high chance of tensions running in the empire. Though this would only be a bonus. Our main problem would be removed and we would be scot-free and would be able to move accordingly to the plans".

"Excellent", the king laughed and declared, "Everyone, make preparations for the assassination. Make sure that it won't lead back to us. Anyone who succeeded in pulling this off would be generously rewarded".

It is the time for the Duster Kingdom to rise again and take its rightful place in the world.